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Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/19/20


3 Up

1. The Last Dance - The first two parts were the quickest, easiest, and most enjoyable two hours of television entertainment I've engaged in during this time of quarantine. I miss sports. And yes, everything about this docuseries is phenomenal.

2. Sabrina Ionescu - Speaking of missing sports, when we do get them back, I very much look forward to going down to the Barclays to watch Ionescu and crew hoop it up. Welcome to New York!

BTW - So much props to the WNBA on the touching honorary draft of Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant, and Payton Chester

3. Howard Finkel - The super sad news of the passing of Howard "The Fink" Finkel shook me this week. A big part of my childhood is wrapped up in hearing Fink announce countless wrestling moments, including that famous line of "the winner, and the NEWWWWWWWWW" which was everything. I still imitate his voice in various joking moments of my life, including play wrestling with my son. I tip my cap to the WWE's first-ever employee, and the best to ever do it.

3 Down

1. Protesters - As noted in my Corona Times II post, I get the mindset. But really, the "protests" from many around America are head-scratching from a logical standpoint. The defiance to the social distance measures in place at this time is a clear and utter disrespect for the many men and women on the front lines.

2. Government Leadership - I have no idea what is going on? Our leadership says one thing, then says another. They bicker back and forth in times where they should be guiding the nation. Tweets are going out in contrary to what is being said during formal statements. And yes, the briefings have become empty appointments. You would never know 30,000+ have died. It really makes me examine who I vote for going forward.

3. Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz - Why did we even take wellness advice from these two before this? Their comments this week regarding the coronavirus emphasizes that question for all of us.

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se